Method and apparatus for assistance in exercising

ABSTRACT

The invention is a method of exercising with a multi-functional body supporting device that assists the user in exercising with dynamic instability to increase muscles strength and eliminate impact on joints while exercising on the chest, a side of the body or on the back parallel, perpendicular or adjacent to the surface of a durable frame through the one point of contact with the device. 
     This device is collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed and unattached; it slips independently between two durable frames by nudging, touching or contacting one surface of each frame creating temporary compression, resistance and/or an impermanent junction between the device and the frames exclusively with user-applied tension. This device is disengaged upon release of said user-applied tension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method of and an apparatus for assisting in exercising and particularly to a total core exercise, weight loss, body toning, rehabilitation systems, and programs designed to improve an athletic performance or to reach a higher level of vitality.

The method and apparatus of the above-mentioned general type are shown in the art.

One such apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,418 to Paul Saure, issued on Jun. 21, 2005. An exercise device consisting of a plurality of movable attachments to a door for exercising by resistance while an user is pulling weights. The disadvantage of the invention is that it is not portable and could be easy attached and detached. This invention is different from the proposed invention where the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing the body.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,628 to Otha Graham, issued on May 4, 1993. The disclosed device may be used by a person for exercising in a bed. The device includes in a preferred embodiment a flat rectangular base plate which is attached to the under side of a bed. This devise is used for exercising through a pulling of the attachments. It takes some space and often does not fit into an environment. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating resistance. so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

An exerciser, while using the device designed by Oliver (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,532), has at least two points of contact with the device (at least one with element 12 and one with 14C/B). Also, the Center of Mass of the exerciser is always projecting within the base of the device that puts it in a category of “closed loop system” and makes exerciser's body statically and dynamically stable, as it is a goal of this device. In addition, it is impossible to place half of the body outside of base 12 so it can create a revolving movement and cause an accident. It also allows exercising a selected muscle without involving in the process muscle-antagonists due to the position of the body of the exerciser (16B) completely on the supporting surface (18A).

The inventor claims his invention as an exercise device. In addition, the device is not portable by the nature of the structure due to the fact that the size of the device is the same if not bigger than the size of the exerciser and it has a significant weight. In conclusion, according the description of the device and the law of physics the device in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,532 is designed to provide maximum static and dynamic stability for an exerciser and have a reliable control over a movement.

The device in our invention is designed to have only one contact with the body of an exerciser (for-example, a handle) that unavoidably challenges the body for at least a dynamic instability and through this process significantly increases the number of muscles involved in a motion and thermo exchange in general. The body of the exerciser should become rigid to be able to change the direction of movement due to involving the process muscle-antagonists and at least partially positioned outside of the supporting solid surface. The device in the presented invention is light (about 0.5 lbs) and portable (the size of the case with the device 1.5′×0.5′).

In the present invention we are claiming the device as an assisting tool in exercising. Also, the Center of Mass of the exerciser is always projecting outside of the base of the device. It puts the device in a category of a “broken loop system”.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,642 to Stephen Slenker, issued on Jun. 5, 2001. This invention is a new type of exercise machine which is used by someone who is bedridden. It has many unique features and permits a person to develop and retain muscle tone of the arms and legs while lying on the back and while eliminating any forces to the back or back muscles. It is designed for those who are recovering from back surgery, elderly or bedridden patients with any infirmity which restricts a person's normal movement. The device is not portable and cannot be easily removed after use. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used, for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance so there is no infringement upon the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,299 to Larry S. Harmon and Janet S. Esty, issued on Dec. 26, 1995. A resistance exercise apparatus is provided which comprises generally a means for receiving a body extremity of a user, the means for receiving a body extremity subject to a force provided by the body extremity, this force results in limited movement of the means for receiving a body extremity; means for maintaining the means for receiving a body extremity in a predefined plane during movement; and a means for providing resistance to movement upon application of the force to the means for receiving a body extremity. The apparatus may include a self supporting base portion, or may be adaptable for temporary connection for a bed. This apparatus can be both portable and stationery. The device combines the well-known resistance methods of isometrics and isotonics to provide a more efficient exercise. The resistance is provided within a single plane by an elastic cord or by a fluid device. This device is not easy to remove after use on a daily basis. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating any resistance so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,749 to Larry S. Harmon, issued on Jun. 22, 1999. This apparatus is utilizing both isometrics and isokinetics and can be adjusted such that maximal loading could occur at any of the several points along its limited range-of-motion. Thus, it becomes clear that an exercise apparatus combining the advantages of both isometric and isotonic exercise would be a great advance in the art. This device is not easy to remove, after use, on a daily basis. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,626 to Taylor, Brent N, issued on Mar. 14, 2000. This device consists of a continuous loop foot strap connected to a bungee cord by an O-ring. The opposite end of the bungee cord is looped through a flexible handle and back through a clamping device. A push button actuator permits the size of the handle loop to be adjusted to adjust the overall length of the device to a) enable a different user to adjust the device for her/his needs, b) alter the configuration for use in a different exercise, or c) increase the resistance force afforded by the device as repetition of the various exercises results in strengthening of various muscle groups. This device is not easy to remove after the use on daily basis. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,184 to Howard P. McJunkin, Jr. and David B. Gray, issued on May 15, 1990. A cycle-like exercise device in this invention is to enable post operative exercise by a patient while in bed. The leg exercise device is mountable to a bed frame and has a pedal mounting structure extending upwardly there from. Pedals are rotatably mounted to the pedal mounting structure so that when a patient's feet are engaged with the pedals of the exercise device, cycle-like exercise of the patient's legs is possible. This device is not easy to remove, after use, on a daily basis. In the proposed invention the attachments are fixed and are used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating resistance so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,844 to Marc A. Royer, issued on Nov. 16, 1999. An exercise assembly includes a hollow, substantially rectangular housing having a pair of side walls, a rear wall, an openable front wall and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A cord encompasses a pulley system inside the interior chamber and exits the housing at its open top. The side and rear walls each have a pair of aligned rows of apertures for receiving an anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes two outwardly extending legs which may be placed beneath a furniture item to stabilize the device while a user performs a desired exercise. This device is not easy to remove, after use, on a daily basis. The proposed invention is a portable device that is used for immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,611,804 to George W. Addair, issued on Sep. 16, 1986. The apparatus in this invention is adapted to be detachably installed on a mattress without having to adapt or alter the construction of the mattress or bed frame carrying the mattress. The apparatus is readily utilized by an individual reclining on the mattress by pulling the elastic straps. This device is not easy to remove after use on a daily basis. The proposed invention is a portable device that is used for stabilizing and immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance and should be attached to a side of the bed frame only and does not include an attachment to a top and a bottom of the mattress or a frame, so there is no infringement on the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,012 to Eric Berkowitz, and Lisa Paul, issued on May 16, 2000. The portable exercise device uses a single centrally located bungee to provide equal tension on both sides of a user's back. A seat attachment strap secures the device to a seat back. In one embodiment, an optional pad worn by the user is secured to a tension strap which is attached at its ends to the bungee. The tension strap is held in place on the seat attachment strap by retaining straps mounted on the seat attachment strap. To exercise the abdominal muscles, the user leans forward causing the single tension cord to exert equal pressure on the side straps thereby exercising the abdominal muscles. By reversing position, the user may exercise back muscles by leaning backward, or exercise chest and arm muscles by pushing against the seat back with the user's arms. An alternative embodiment uses a chest strap that is centrally attached to the tension strap by a centrally located attachment strap. Another alternative embodiment attaches the tension strap directly to the chest strap. Yet another embodiment attaches the bungee directly to the seat attachment belt and the chest strap, eliminating the tension straps. In this embodiment, the tension cord is centrally attached between the user and the seat back. The exercise device can also be used in conjunction with push-up handles to exercise the user's arms and chest. This device is not easy to remove after use on a daily basis. The proposed invention is a portable device that is used for stabilizing and immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance and should be attached to a side of the bed frame only, so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The apparatus that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,838 to James E. Willis, issued on Apr. 28, 1998. The instant invention concerns a method and apparatus for exercising that may be detachably coupled to another object, such as an article of furniture that need not inhibit normal use of the article of furniture and provide a resistance through the straps that attached to the device. This device is not easy to remove after use on a daily basis. The proposed invention is a portable device that is used for stabilizing and immobilizing a part of the body but not creating a resistance, so there is no infringement with the mentioned invention.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,896 to Hetrick “Exercise device including adjustable, inelastic straps” refers to the exercise device that “is attached to a solid structure D”. In this device an alternative support on the belt is connected to the different side of said flexible belt.

The submitted application relates to supporting, not exercising devices. Also, our device is “a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips independently between two durable frames and is not attached to the solid structure”. In our application an “alternative support to said handle of said belt that is connected to the same side of said flexible belt”. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,896 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,306 to Lui “Sit-up belt” refers to the exercise device that is “a sit-up exercise belt adapted to be placed under and around a corner of a mattress”. The submitted application relates to the device that is neither attached to nor embraces a solid structure and only one side of the structure is touched.

According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,306 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,802 to Kiser “Pull-up assistant” refers to a device that is “assisting in performing pull-ups under an overhead bar (B) provides an adjustable upward force on a foot holder” and is securely attached to a solid surface to support a body weight. This device is bulky and requires a special surface for the attachment. The submitted application relates to a portable, light, travel size device. Also, our device is neither attached to nor embraces a solid structure.

According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,802 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,497 to Spinosa “Backboard 2” refers to the device that “is designed to enable the user to perform both abdominal strengthening and back muscle strengthening exercises on the top surface of a conventional bed.” secure attached to a solid surface to support a body weight. This invention relates to not portable exercise devices. This device is bulky and requires a special method around the bed for the attachment.

The submitted application relates to a portable, light, travel size device. Also, the submitted application relates to supporting, not exercising devices that is neither attached to nor embraces a solid structure. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,497 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,532 to Oliver “Portable arm and leg exerciser” refers to the device that is “a portable arm and leg exerciser (10) has a board (12) having a board upper end (12U) and a board bottom end (12B). The board (12) has at least one opening positioned, in the board upper end (12U). The arm and leg exerciser (10) further has an exerciser (14) which comprises at least one exerciser elastic member (14A) securely fastened on one distal end through the at least one opening to the board (12). The exerciser (14) further comprises an exerciser grip (14B, 14C) fastened to the opposite end of the at least one exerciser elastic member (14A). A user (16) inserts the board bottom end (12B) of the board (12) between a bed mattress (18A) and a bed box spring (18B) of a bed (18).” and secure attached to a solid surface to support a body weight. This invention relates to not portable exercise devices. This device is bulky, rigid and requires a special surface for the attachment.

The submitted application relates to “a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips independently between two durable frames” device. Also, our device is neither attached to nor embraces a solid structure. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,532 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,949 to Tebbe “Method for exercising abdominal muscles” refers to the exercise device that “an apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles comprises a load cable which is received by a pulley. The pulley is connected to a structure through a connector, and a single handle is connected to the first end of the load cable” and secure attached to a solid surface to support a body weight.

The submitted application relates to a different class of supporting, not exercising devices. Also, our device is not attached to a solid structure and relates to “a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips independently between two durable frames”. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,949 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,028 to Wehrell “Vertical jump exercise apparatus” refers to the exercise device that “A vertical jump exercise apparatus may be used to train and condition participants in sports demanding a high degree of vertical jumping ability. Elastic codes fastened to the waist of the user provide a nearly constant resistive force, thereby simulating increased body weight to strengthen leg muscles and to improve motor reflexes” and secure attached to a solid surface to support a body weight.

The submitted application relates to a different class of supporting, not exercising devices and does not propose the use of elastic cord. Also, our device is not attached to a solid structure and relates to “a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips independently between two durable frames” devices. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,028 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,939 to Wild “Bed frame sit-up exerciser” refers to the exercise device that “a device for holding a person's feet while doing “sit-up” exercises or the like, comprising a plate anchored to the left or right side of the metal “L” frame on either side of bed”. The method is limited only to sit-ups and secure attached to a solid surface to support a body weight.

The submitted device, in a contrary, is “a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating, non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips independently between two durable frames” that provides more advantages functions than the opposed one. According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,028 diverges from our technical solution.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,540 to Nguyen “Portable abdominal exerciser” refers to the exercise device that “A portable exercise device is disclosed for use in abdominal strengthening and toning in conjunction with a supporting component. The supporting structure can be a bed frame and the supporting component is usually the bed frame's transverse bar.

A portable exerciser for use in conjunction with furniture having a support member, comprising: an exerciser body having a first end and a second end, the first end being U-shaped and adapted to be hooked to the support member positioned above the second end and the second end adapted to be placed on a floor; and a bar positioned between the first and second ends to secure a user's feet during exercise, wherein the user lies substantially above the first and second ends”. The submitted application has the features that distinguish it from the above mentioned invention:

-   -   1. In this invention the “U-shaped and adapted to be hooked” end         attaches the device to a bed.     -   The submitted application relates to a portable, light, travel         size devices that “is a collapsible, non-rigid, free-floating,         non-fixed, unattached, stabilization aid which slips         independently between two durable frames . . . ”.     -   2. In this invention “a bar positioned between the first and         second ends to secure a user's feet during exercise, wherein the         user lies substantially above the first and second ends”     -   The submitted application proposes to place the body of a user         and the bar in one surface.     -   3. In this invention there are two points of stability: a         U-shaped end and a foot bar. The submitted application proposes         a single one, which challenges for isometric and isotonic         exercises at the same time.     -   4. The applications of the forces applied to the device for a         stability are opposite: in this invention a user is pushing U         element away from the body to provide stability for sit ups, we         are pulling the device.     -   2. In this invention the device has a rigid construction.     -   The submitted application relates to a portable, light, travel         size devices that “is a collapsible, non-rigid . . . ”.     -   According to the above explained reasons, U.S. Pat. No.         7,172,540 diverges from our technical solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and an apparatus for assistance in exercising which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art with additional benefits for an user.

More particularly, it is a goal of the present invention to provide a portable, light and easily removable device in assistance and support for exercise, for people with different fitness levels and even the partially disabled by utilizing dynamic instability and combining dynamic and isometric type of exercising in one system.

In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides in a method of assisting in utilizing dynamic instability due to a one-point contact with the assisting and supporting device which slips between two durable frames by touching one side of each frame while creating temporary compression between them and an anchor that is attached to another side of the device in a way that requires the use of muscle antagonists to control dynamic instability of the exerciser positioned on the back, front or sidewise.

The novel features which are characteristics of the present invention, are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing an apparatus for assistance in exercising in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing showing a modification of the inventive device.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a method of assisting in exercising with the inventive device.

FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing an exercising method, with various actions.

FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a device with further embodiment.

FIG. 6 showing the detailed construction of the device and the way of the attachment of the inventive device to a solid surface.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, a device that provides an assistance and support for an user in exercising through a one-point contact with a handle 1 of the device which slips between two durable frames such as a box spring 5 and a bed rail 10 by touching one side of each frame while creating temporary compression between them and an anchor 3 that is attached to another side of the flexible belt 2 of the device.

In accordance with the present invention, a method of exercising with a combination of dynamic and isometric types of resistance and is performed by providing support and stability to one part of the user's body that is placed on a solid structure while other parts of the body can move and exercise muscles of said body while moving against gravity. During this process, the exercising part of the body can be placed outside the frame or the structure to offer more resistance and the exerciser is forced to use muscle antagonists to control the dynamic instability of the body positioned on its back, front or side.

As shown in FIG. 2, a device that provides assistance and support for a user in exercising as the device in FIG. 1 with an alternative support 4 for a limb or torso and connected to the same side of a flexible belt 2 and said handle 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of exercising in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. A user 6 has a one point contact through the handle 7 of the device that provides a dynamic instability for an exerciser.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an alternative support 4 of the exercising device has safely attached to at least one of the user's 6 lower extremity while providing a dynamic instability for the rest of the body of the exerciser during exercise.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of exercising in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. A user 6 has a one point contact through the alternative support 8 of the device that provides a dynamic instability for an exerciser.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an exercising device is formed as the device in FIG. 1 with the described position of each element of the device and it's function in providing assistance and support for exercise.

When the user exercises with the inventive apparatus and in accordance with the inventive method, a muscular system is activated, heart rates and respiration increase, blood circulation improves, and a variable resistance to exercising is introduced through different ways of movement. The user benefits from aerobic or anaerobic, dynamic and isometric activities with the use of resistance due to gravity or weights attached to the extremities.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types, methods and constructions differing from the types described above.

When the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a method of, and an apparatus for assisting in exercising, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A method of exercising, utilizing dynamic instability due to a one-point contact with the assisting and supporting device which slips between two durable frames by touching one side of each frame while creating temporary compression between them and an anchor that is attached to another side of the device in a way that requires the use of muscle antagonists to control dynamic instability of the exerciser who is positioned on the back, front or side.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said an exerciser is placed on said solid surface angled against a horizontal level between 0 and 89.9 degrees.
 3. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the exerciser can develop extensive range of motion and strengthen muscles while substantially minimizing stress to the lower back region, eliminate impact to the joints, and increase muscle tone of the extremities due to combining isometric and kinetic activities in one routine.
 4. A portable, light, travel sized, easily removable device that provides assistance for a total core exercise by supporting and stabilizing non movable parts of the exerciser's body, and comprising a flexible belt, including a handle that is connected to one side of said belt and an anchor that is attached to another side of the belt to create a resistance to pulling efforts of the exerciser when said anchor meets a restricting resistance by a solid structure such as a side of a bed frame or a box-spring.
 5. A device as defined in claim 4; wherein said handle, said anchor, and said belt are made from wood, metal, plastic, cotton, synthetic materials or any combination of the above. 